Eight Graphically Forward Pairs of Socks for Summer

Colors, patterns, flourishes and beyond—all for your feet

With seasonal change, we are quick to transform our wardrobe to match the weather—or, most of it. Shirts and pants get swapped out. Some items are stowed, while others are retrieved. But what about socks? Summer in the northern hemisphere makes for a greater opportunity to show off what you've got going on at ankle level, and there's no better time to ramp up your style with personality to match the season. There are options out there (from the excellent Strolling Wild, for example) for an entire sock drawer makeover, but if you'd like to go pair by pair or with smaller sets, here are eight options below that take the sock game to the next level.

Nice Laundry

Get your summer sock update done in one go with Nice Laundry's Envoy sock set ($49). Six pairs of graphically charged socks, crafted from premium cotton blends, make for a vibrant, nuanced offering. And while they're fun, they also happen to dress up nicely.

Jimmy Lion

Another master of fanciful sock sets, Jimmy Lion offers customizable (or recommended) boxes for all genders. While we were smitten with both, their
array of ladies' socks ($14 each or $42 for a set of four) vary from cute and kitschy to prim and proper. This are soft combed cotton socks, produced in Portugal, and durability is guaranteed.

Cav Empt

These ribbed tube socks from Cav Empt have just enough flair to draw the eye to your ankles, without looking gaudy. Mostly white and taupe, with a splash of indigo, the Japanese streetwear brand’s Waste Sock (£20), thanks to the 100% cotton composition, offer breathability on hot summer days.

Henrik Vibskov

Purveyor of all things graphic and fun, CH favorite Henrik Vibskov has plenty of delightful socks to choose from every season. This time though, we picked the Water Hole Socks ($26) which come in white or black. Depicting a landscape with palm trees and bright sun (or moon) these intarsia woven socks really spell out summer.

Pair of Thieves

The somewhat mysteriously named Bowie Socks ($10) from Pair of Thieves boast the brand’s “sneaky performance,” meaning they are moisture-wicking, breathable and super-comfy. With an abstract design resembling leaves or butterflies, the socks come in a delightfully fresh blue/green colorway.

Gorman

From Gorman come these playful, cutesy sheer polka dot socks ($16 AUD), perfect for jazzing up your sneakers or to wear under sandals if you’re feeling kitsch (or simply toe-phobic). With a white sheer layer and mint green spots, they are bright and breezy and will probably carry you through summer and into fall.

Hansel from Basel

Made in collaboration with artist and musician Kyle Field, Hansel from Basel's
3:33 Crew socks ($30) are made in Japan from breathable combed cotton. These dark charcoal colored socks feature a series of "3:33" graphics, and there's a story behind them. Field thought up the visuals at 3:33AM after jet lag from a trip to Japan. Summer's an ideal time for wanderlusting and maybe these high-quality pieces might inspire more than dreaming.

Mack Weldon

As a brand rethinking basics, especially underwear, Mack Weldon impresses with their comfort and quality-driven "Everyday" socks—especially with their padded footbed. The Grey Heather Diamond pair ($12.50) with its seamless toe promises to keep up with your long summer walks and bar crawls.

Lead image courtesy of Strolling Wild, all other images courtesy of respective brands